The Dockers (6-3) surged into fifth spot on the ladder with a 35-point win over Carlton last week.

Fremantle’s resurgence has surprised most footy experts, especially after they were staring down the barrel following their 0-2 start to the year.

The Crows are on top of the ladder following their 7-2 start to the year, and Saturday’s clash will give Fremantle a good indication of just how much progress they’ve made this year.

But will it be a litmus test for Fremantle?

“What is a litmus test? I don’t know what it is,” Lyon queried, before a journalist explained that in footy speak, a litmus test is a term used to gauge where a team sits in the competition’s pecking order.

“I don’t use that term. I don’t understand it…. I wouldn’t say it’s a be-all-and-end-all game.

“It’s another part of the home and away series. It1s an opportunity to grow.”

Fremantle have come from behind in a series of matches this season, and also been involved in several nail-biters.

Lyon said he wasn’t sure why Fremantle’s form has fluctuated so wildly within games.

Against Richmond in round eight, Fremantle were cruising towards victory, before a huge collapse in the final quarter almost cost them victory.

And against Carlton yesterday, the Dockers trailed 28-0 in the first quarter before getting their act together.

“We’re working on it. Hopefully it comes from maturity,” Lyon said of the fluctuations.

“We’ve just got to get better at thinking on our feet a little bit.”

-AAP